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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-18 School Committee Minutes . . OWN OrgEb' Town of Reading e Meeting Minutes RECEIVED 3 TOY/M CLERK a > +P'IM[DPP�'PP h!! �' )'Y 1 ' I 1YS P1. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: #11 DEC )2 PM I: I8 School Committee !tl Date: 2018-10-18 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chuck Robinson, Linda Snow Dockser (arrived during executive session at 6:38 p.m.), Elaine Webb, Nick Boivin, and Jeanne Borawski Members - Not Present: Sherri Vanden Akker Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd, Director of Student Services Sharon Stewart, Assistant Superintendent Christine Kelley, Food Service Director Kristin Morello, Al Sylvia - Reading Chronicle Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: 1. Call to Order Chair Webb reviewed the agenda and called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. Mrs. Webb stated to Protect the bargaining position of the board and then moved,seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to enter executive session to discuss strategies with respect to collective bareainin negotiation strategies with respect to non-represented personnel and to return to open session at approximately 7:00 P.m. The roll call vote carried 4—0 Mr.Robinson Mrs Borawski,Mr.Boivin. and Mrs. Webb. The open session meeting recessed at 6:10 p.m. The open session meeting was called back to order at 7:01 p.m. A. Public Input Marianne Downing, Heather Drive commented on the release of MCAS scores and how she just received hers at 5:00 p.m. today. She requested that future MCAS updates be scheduled after parents have had time to review the scores. She next asked about the elementary chorus and para hours. Dr. Doherty said that the advisor positions were posted for the elementary chorus, but nobody applied. Page 1 1 Lastly, she wanted to show her support for the teachers. Mrs. Webb read the following statement: "School Committee Comment on Mediation and Negotiations The Reading School Committee has offered fair and reasonable terms, including proposed financial terms, throughout the negotiations with the Reading Teachers Association(RTA). There are many areas where the School Committee and the RTA have reached consensus throughout the negotiations. The School Committee is balancing the marry goals of our district that are impacted through this process and continues our commitment to fiscal sustainability, attracting and retaining staff and teachers, and the achievement of our district mission and vision. The School Committee is committed to reaching a resolution of the contract. The Reading School Committee and the Reading Teachers Association have filed joint mediation with the Massachusetts Labor Relations Board. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party(state appointed mediator) helps the parties attempt to reach an agreement that is acceptable to everyone. The cost of mediation is split between the Reading Public Schools and the Reading Teachers Association. Mediation is voluntary and confidential. The mediation process diers from a court proceeding or arbitration in that the parties maintain control of outcome by, hopefully, reaching consensus on the remaining issues. In our current negotiations, the parties have reached tentative agreement on many areas with a few items that are still in dispute. It is our hope that the Parties will reach consensus on the remaining items with the goal ofratifying the terms ofa successor contract. The parties will be engaging in the mediation process in early November." Killam teacher Christen Pegoraro spoke in support of a fair Teachers contract. Resident Brian Hanley spoke in support of the teachers. B. Consent A eg nda Mrs. Webb asked if the committee wanted any items removed from the consent agenda. Approval of Two RMHS Field Trips—Metropolitan Opera, Ireland & Scotland Accept a Donation from the Birch Meadow PTO Accept an Anonymous Donation to the Birch Meadow Grade K—2 Compass Program Accept a Donation to the RISE Preschool @ Killam Accept a Donation from the Reading Volleyball Parents' Organization Approval of Minutes (September 20, 2018) Page 1 2 Dr. Snow Dockser moved,seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried 5-0. C. Reports Director of Student Services Ms. Stewart updated the committee on the special education vacancies. Interviews for the vacant Team Chair position have begun and she continues to work on filling the remaining open positions. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Kelley reported on the October 5th early release day professional development activities pointing out that all elementary teachers have been Founds & Pinnells benchmark trained. She is also planning the November 0 in-service day. Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Dowd presented the FY2020 budget calendar. This calendar is to be used as a guide as we move forward in the budget process. Superintendent Superintendent Doherty updated the committee on the enrollment and pointed out that our enrollment remains steady and our class sizes are generally within the recommended guidelines. Recently, RMHS Social Studies Teachers Kara Gleason and Megan Howie have had two articles published on Reading history. Their two-part article titled "Lives Lived Unfree: Stories of Reading's Enslaved"was recently published in the Daily Times Chronicle. In these articles they examined some of the stories of enslaved people who lived,worked,died, and were owned as property in Reading, Massachusetts during the 18th century. To research and write the articles, Kara and Megan utilized the research process that is part of the history curriculum at the high school. Earlier this month. a team of Reading teachers and administrators attended the National PBIS Conference in Chicago, Illinois. The theme of the Conference, PHIS: Celebrating Safe and Learning Environments,was an opportunity for school,state,district, and regional leadership teams to meet and discuss the effectiveness of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports in their schools and districts. Assistant Superintendent Chris Kelley, District Data Specialist Courtney Fogarty and Behavioral Coach Lauren Sabella attended this conference with members of the Wood End staff. We are proud of our Wood End Team of Dr. Joanne King(principal), Lisa Breed(psychologist) and Jacquelyn Pelusi (special educator) who were selected to present at the Conference. Their booth presentation featured a poster and dialogue entitled"A Roadmap to Building and Implementing Successful Tier 2 Supports for Students". They showcased some of the tools that have shown marked success to students who may require behavioral support. The conference provided opportunities to learn and discuss best practices Page 1 3 from district across the country. Funding was provided through the School Transformation grant. Dr. Doherty reported that he participated in a panel discussion on gun violence at the University of Massachusetts—Lowell. He was a participant as a Superintendent and as Co-Chair of the DESE Safe and Supportive Schools Commission. Liaison Mrs. Borawski updated the committee on the recent SEPAC meeting and shared that on October 24"there will be a Basic Rights in Special Education workshop in the RPD Community Room and the next meeting is scheduled for November 13". She next updated the committee on the Reading 375 celebration thanking Cummings Property for their$1,000 donation and went on to thank Tom and Sarah Brukilacchio who requested the grant. Lastly, she wanted to congratulate Dr. Doherty on being named the recipient of the 23`d Annual College of Education Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Massachusetts—Lowell. Mr. Robinson shared that former committee member Gary Nihan underwent a successful kidney transplant and is recovering at home. Dr. Snow Dockser reported on the RCASA Annual Meeting. "Report on the town and school programs engagingparents,police, and educators to support and educate people around the issues of Substance Use Disorders. Hidden in Plain Sight had a steady stream of interested adults come and see the many hiding and ingenious hiding places sold to people for the purposes of hiding drugs. The exhibit inspired many interesting conversations and sharing between visitors. Gratitude was expressed for the work of the RCASA Board, Outreach Coordinator Juliane DeAngelis, and Director Erica McNamara. And then we got a wonderful surprise:Director McNamara is resuming her position as director. That drew a huge ovation from the audience! Dr. Sheri Vandenakker then gave a poignant presentation entitled: What I wish I knew: When Someone You Love Suffers from a Substance Use Disorder. She spoke with wisdom hard-earned through personal family experience. " Mrs. Webb reported that the HRAC voted to support Ballot Question#3 and also recommended that the Select Board do the same at their meeting(which they just did and voted to endorse it). She also made a statement about the Public School Law in place that protects the rights of all students including Transgender Students-an important fact that our legal counsel pointed out. Page 1 4 Dr. Snow Dockser added that these rules do not protect our students from the socio-emotional impact of being discriminated against outside of the schools and that makes them more vulnerable and it harder for them to concentrate and learn in school. In support of our students, I recommended that folks look at the website freedommassachusetts.org for more information and confrontation of misinformation being publicized. D. Old Business There was none. E. New Business First Readine of Policy EFDA Food Service Director Kristin Morello explained that the revised policy is an easier to read and simpler document. In developing the revised policy other districts policies were referenced. Dr. Snow Dockser moved,seconded by Mr. Robinson.to accept the first readine of revised policy EFDA—Unpaid Meal Charge Policy The School Committee asked clarifying questions. The motion carried 5-0. MCAS Presentation Assistant Superintendent Chris Kelley began her presentation by saying that the building principals will be giving building specific presentations on the 2018 MCAS scores in November. She also pointed out that the Next Generation MCAS was all computerized. This was the second year of the Next Generation MCAS for grades 3 —8 Math and ELA. It was also the last year of the Legacy MCAS for grade 5, 8 & 9 science, and grade 10 ELA and Math. The new accountability system aligns with the Federal ESSA law. Mrs. Kelley reviewed the general achievement level definitions of the Next Generation MCAS. Reading scored strongly in grade 3, 5, 6& 8 ELA and math. She reviewed the changes in exceeding/meefing expectations from 2017 to 2018. We had growth in several areas and there are several areas that we will be looking to improve including grade 7 math and ELA and grade 4 math. Mrs. Kelley reviewed the changes in advanced/proficient from 2017 to 2018 in the Legacy MCAS. There was a positive change in grade 5 science and grade 10 ELA. She reviewed student growth in math and FLA and moved onto the new school and district accountability system. The accountability system measures school and district performance. This system answers two questions: how is the school doing and what kind of support does the school need? It also provides information about school performance& student opportunities beyond test results. The numerical accountability system is no longer used and is replaced with accountability categories that define the progress that schools are making and the Page 1 5 type of support they may receive from the Department. Indicators required are academic achievement based on annual assessments in ELA,math and science, it provides a measure of student growth or progress for elementary and middle schools, graduation rates for high schools,progress in achieving English proficiency for English learners and at least one measure of school quality or student success. She cautioned the public that you cannot compare the previous accountability system to the new system. Schools will no longer be placed in a vertical hierarchy of levels 1-5. Schools will be categorized as the following: schools of recognition, meeting targets,partially meeting targets, focused/targeted support& broad/comprehensive support. Categorization of districts will be based on the performance of the district as a whole, it will no longer be based on the performance of the lowest performing school, district accountability percentiles will not be calculated. Districts will be classified based on criterion-referenced components with adjustments made for low graduation rates and low assessment participation. The Board may designate a district as underperforming or chronically underperforming. In the weighting of accountability, the Federal requirements will place substantial weight on achievement, EL proficiency and graduation rate. Considerations for the weighting achievement and growth include the following: all indicators need to be included in the weighting,progress toward English language proficiency only applies to a subset of schools, &weighting needs to be flexible,ratio between achievement&growth can be held constant between non-high schools& high schools but actual weightings will differ, ESE intends to apply the same weighting rules to both the nonnative&criterion-referenced components in the system and for 2018 reporting, ESE will maintain the current ration of achievement to growth(3:1). The School Committee asked clarifying questions. MASS/MASC Annual Conference Delegate Designation Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson,to appoint Linda Snow Dockser as the official voting delegate to the MASS/MASC Joint Conference and appointing Jeanne Borawski as the alternate. The motion carried 5—0. Rally Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by, Mr. Borawski,to support the joint sponsorship,with the Select Board and RED, of the rally against anti- Semitism held on Reading Common on October 21st. The motion carried 5- 0. II. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant S1912 9.20.18 $121,572.15 Warrant S1913 9.27.18 $264,681.56 Page 16 Wan-ant S1914 10.4.18 $83,384.47 WarrantS1915 10.11.18 $111,067.16 Wa antP1906 9.21.18 $1,580,132.02 Warra P1907 10.5.18 $1,602,510.03 b. Calendar III. Information/Corresnondence IV.Future Business V. Adiounmtent Adioum Dr. Snow Dockser stated to protect the bargaining Position of the board and moved,seconded by Mrs.Borawski,to enter executive session to discuss strategies with respect to collective bargaining and not to return to open session. The roll call vote carried 5-0. Mrs. Borawski, Dr. Snow Dockser, Mr. Robinson.Mr. Boivin, and Mrs. Webb. The meeting adjourned at 9:54 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Link to meeting video: https://www youtube com/watch?v=r5E4eclXm24&t=0s&list=PLkibnmpzKYxvocbDTJaWz9K yfPZJUytea&index=2 Handouts: Enrollment Chart R.E.D. Rally Flyer It F. ftohert7,Ed.D. Page 1 7 )\ ( eQ : § § e @m § t ; k ~ § � \ � ' � G § , , , _ � | ` ` ; ^ � , 2 � mom ` ` � � / � � ` � ` \ § $ 2 � ? � � � � � bf , ; / , - \ / m � \ \ � ` 2�� � /\ � � � � \ ` ` � ~ � ` . ��c , ! � � , � � / / ) ! " ` � ` , \\ . j � : \ , . $ 22 | . . . . § / ~ z q � � § § - ® / ° , , , , \{ ! m ) . � § , � / I , , / 2 � / § \ , \ / � , 7 \ � k ! E ! ! ! ! ) k ) ! _) ) \ - J ! ! ! � � � • k / � ` � ` /) � k ) k \ \ \ ) � � \ k � � \ . ; R ; \ ) ^ \ § \ m q2 = m f . = | ` Reading Embraces RDOEODDiversity October 18, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Anne Johnson Landry, 774319-0381 READING RALLIES AGAINST ANTI-SEMITISM Reading Embraces Diversity and the Town of Reading invite Residents to Come Together in Solidarity with the Jewish Community On Sunday,October 21,at 12 noon,the Reading community will gather on the Reading Town Common in solidarity with the Jewish community to stand in opposition to anti-Semitism following the most recent discovery of anti-Semitic graffiti and vandalism in Reading.The rally should last about an hour. "We thought it important for the community to come together as a whole in response to these acts of hate to support our Jewish neighbors," explained Jamie Michaels,a founding member of Reading Embraces Diversity(RED). The Reading Select Board voted unanimously at their meeting on the evening of October 16,2018 to sponsor the rally together with Reading Embraces Diversity. "The Town of Reading is pleased to join RED in promoting this event,"affirmed Bob LeLacheur."We are saddened by these incidents and are committed to encouraging an inclusive community. Hate and anti-Semitism are antithetical to the values of our community. Our town departments continue to work collaboratively with public safety and the Reading Public Schools in promoting an inclusive community and in responding to and denouncing these acts of hate.We are grateful for an excellent partnership with the Anti-Defamation League,which has been a wonderful resource for the Town." "The Reading Police Department remains committed to the safety of all people and works daily to combat hate and vandalism wherever they are encountered,"said Deputy Chief David Clark."Our men and women in uniform support the work of the HRAC,RED,the School Department,and the Anti-Defamation League to educate the community and foment tolerance,acceptance,and inclusion for all." "Reading Public Schools thanks RED and other town organizations for their efforts to raise awareness and compassion throughout the entirety of the Town through this rally on Sunday," said School Superintendent Dr.John Doherty."Our exceptional staff and our student body will continue to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students and families throughout the district" "HRAC has been discussing these issues at their meetings and agrees that an event of this nature is a solid display of support for the Jewish Community from the whole town," said Chair of the Human Relations Advisory Committee Heather McLean. Sunday's rally will include a musical program,remarks from members of the Jewish community and elected officials,and words from Dr.Anna Ornstein,a Holocaust survivor and professor of child psychiatry who has been a good friend to the Reading community and the Reading Public Schools. UMASS FA `I .411m, Proffle t { ;l u John r. Doherty, Cil„D. SuprrinMmiant '- , kcasins Pub&sebt,nls ' lrniaenity ufklfui hwelh s.otwil.t553,1452 nt stems id kavn0 Y9ttbown ktk of kx c kgRua Il leecma kam!bAfaaFua1 ant t(de4m)w:M1nmmcSuxxi gmI ttikama mI be) eh xahfe@�aaceeia195.3 sN rSchv a,ar1.k ftwm kawHy,54,a roar yams{ser 6rhriuel fs� :a w m 1 awu Pak:[e wt. as m g PrO taeln l Pot ijul.1%?OK We 5dbR1>whttt&x stAuib cnswimmmtaz(,rwidcem,As,i,wukHavio Aut Pliarfp+l. MIL tk. Effaate Iee 4nftnl`, Aunocl S:Fm•.a6'r kr.!A�S hmrccl.ua, kmwclwn.av]Axw'#NM 4 �VkQ A. t'adtutyl,u rams]Syxl+r.Ic ATc of 04 R t.q NNIN SLINX4”a Pwicna ee rtul lwAL.Ila kadmwp In OArtW006 mljml v,the m4 a kr PIF 4km aad the wootimbt w tydkra$irx Ml$.00"hm b" Im ba of au UcyuP.taem of Ikmteng' W Seminy Mm Am's S,fe aW 94Vniliav Scbaob Come@sdon:hexa,ekti4td ta•.ibLar die Cwpn6"b Mt SPA Mt@a xvk ice fiuu opmjd% tfiaacsat aaseexrioevlxt'3ms#at�dd5 b Pamiu,5 Wocra+fitCammanaraM.Irt:41fi,SrMitiS}t+n, in wi4i iP firmikwfttpwkdpLt Wbo4W' A.SHxaiaLlr.s&wkCar Abttpe bbnsdtN to fe ural mietfmR kvdy mf tlIe.Nansiatem Sc4wil r,yc6>kr@iIt Asae�itt4n frosteed ka xivl die Fticed oft7d31+ro Aaagi la ttiaNmsawdttlas+w Et:ProlTaee Ina alcFai.Ytn.In tek5,t,5c\Lssxfrirdts AawdW*.a#S.Jm4 $vi rrtSml rtm3ni.e3 ei,aiypifkt twaWim a du UM Ig+Csctertc:3 Mm RiAdkttri"r,.:LWtilat Axl.•d + 3 I � r ALUMNI AWARD 5:35-5:40 Alumni Award presented to Dr.John Doherty Dr.Anita Greenwood As you will notice around the room we have posters which recognize the accomplishments of our alumni; one poster for each year of the symposium. It is now my honor to recognize the 23rd distinguished alumnus (yes i alumnus for each year this symposium has been held). Dr. John Doherty John would you join me on the platform • John is the SUPERINTENDENT OF READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS, but he is also a • DOUBLE RIVERHAWK, graduating with a BS in Biology and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. • I have known John for many years, starting when he was a middle school science teacher at the Coolidge Middle School in Reading and he and I supervised a student teachertogether. • Later John became the Principal of that school. • In 2005, John became the Assistant Superintendent of the district, serving under the leadership of another long-time friend of this college Patrick Schettini. • John became the superintendent of Reading in 2oio and is now in his ninth year leading the district. • Currently John is serving as the co-chair of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Safe and Supportive Schools Commission, which I am sure we will hear about during the panel presentation. • John's achievements as an educational leader have been recognized by state-wide associations including the MA Assoc of School Superintendents. Here at Mass Lowell and the College of Education in particular, we are grateful to John for being a supporter of our students, both through his participation in events like difference makers, but mostly because he welcomes our students into his schools where many of them have also found teaching positions. John it is with pride in your achievements and with grateful thanks that we recognize you as an outstanding leader and alumnus of the College of Education.